In a super-charged political year, legislative leaders in Tallahassee want to push through a merit pay plan for teachers that would finally make performance — not longevity in the classroom — a defining factor for getting a raise or being shown the door.
The legislation is on the right track. The problem with SB 6, which already passed the Senate, and its House counterpart, HB 7189, is that House Speaker Larry Cretul has it on a fast track despite the legislation's deficiencies.
Fast-tracking won't serve Florida's K-12 students well, which is why several Republican legislators, such as Rep. Julio Robaina of Miami, are joining Democrats to speak up against the legislation.
No question Florida needs a better way. Rewarding teachers for their years on the job -- without considering if their students are showing improvement in critical learning areas -- is irresponsible. More accountability is needed, but Mr. Cretul shouldn't block a healthy debate on how to improve this legislation.
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